Karori

A Wellington backblip....

On this day I visited Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, an area in Wellington set aside for native flora and fauna. The area was formerly owned by the city, and its reservoirs were used for the waterworks, but in the 90's a predator-proof fence was erected around it and native plants and birds were introduced to create an oasis for NZ's wildlife amidst the city.

This is one of the species reintroduced to the area, the Kaka. It is one of three native parrot species (not including the three parakeets) in the country. Like other endemic birds their population is in very sensitive condition. Their introduction to Karori has brought the Kaka back to the streets and gardens of Wellington, a very successful act for the promotion of conservation in modern New Zealand.